Elite police to be deployed for German-England game

BLOEMFONTEIN - South African authorities are tightening security for Sunday’s Germany-England World Cup knock-out match in Bloemfontein, including the deployment of elite security force units.

Police officers from England and from Germany will also be working “side by side” with their local colleagues on match day, according to a statement issued by South African police spokeswoman Sally De Beer.

They are to be deployed in uniform and plain clothes both inside and outside Bloemfontein’s 45,000 capacity Free State Stadium.

Germany and England are considered “high-priority teams” in that they could be targeted by terrorists, but also because of the hooligan behaviour of some of their supporters in the past.

“We have not picked up any specific threat against this match or either team, but as was the case in other matches played by high-priority teams, we will make sure that we are prepared for any eventuality,” the statement said.

Security at World Cup matches, which has included the use of metal detectors and the frisking and searches of spectators, would be “heightened” it added.

The security forces are set to deploy “additional members,” for the Bloemfontein match, but no exact numbers were provided.

“The supporters of both teams have to date enjoyed themselves immensely in our wonderful country and we are sure that this festive atmosphere will predominate on Sunday,” the statement said.

On Wednesday, riot police in Johannesburg intervened to tackle two dozen German fans who became unruly and threw bottles during a dispute at Germany’s final first round game against Ghana in Soccer City.

Riot police intervened and moved three of the supporters, who were allowed to watch the game under police supervision. The game ended in a 1-0 win for Germany.